‘Girls on Wire’ Explores Trauma and Family Bonds in China's Film Industry

Vivian Qu’s latest film examines generational struggles and resilience through the story of two estranged cousins navigating personal and societal challenges.

• The film follows cousins Fang Di and Tian Tian as they reunite after years of estrangement, confronting shared family trauma and financial burdens.
• Set against the backdrop of Xiangshan Film City, the story intertwines Fang Di’s work as a stunt performer with Tian Tian’s escape from a harrowing past.
• Flashbacks depict the cousins’ shared childhood struggles, shaped by addiction, debt, and gender dynamics in their family, which continue to impact their adult lives.
• Director Vivian Qu combines elements of drama, humor, and action to explore themes of exploitation, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom.
• Premiering at the Berlin Film Festival, the film has been praised for its emotional depth but critiqued for tonal inconsistencies and heavy-handed dialogue.

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